ANOTHER business owned by a Tynedale couple has closed.

The owners of Get Licks soft play on Prudhoe's Station Road, Di and Jim Richardson, said the business was no longer in a position to continue trading.

The soft play, formerly the Fun Station, also houses a cafe and onsite ice cream parlour. Six members of staff have been affected by the closure.

The ice cream parlour on Hexham's Hencotes of the same name will also not reopen.

It follows the closure of diandjims nursery on December 22 due to cash flow issues.

Eight staff have been made redundant by the closure of the nursery, out-of-school club and holiday club within the grounds of the former Hexham Middle School.

The Prudhoe branch on the town's Broomhouse Lane closed in October.

"All of us are heartbroken", said Jim. "We've had a fabulous time.

"The people we were working with were recovery agents and liquidators, we were trying to make it work but it won't. They tell us what we can and can't say and when. 

"I feel dreadfully sorry that we can't go on but everything's gone up to a stage where we can't afford to open the doors."

A social media post added: "We have unfortunately had to make some big decisions regarding the sustainability of our business over the last few weeks.

"We feel with sadness and regret that at this time, we are no longer in a position to continue trading and reopen after Christmas.

"There are multiple contributing factors to this and it breaks our hearts to have to do it but unfortunately, it is the right decision and our wonderful staff have been brilliant throughout all of this and we would like to thank them all for their hard work and continued support.

"Once again, we couldn’t have lasted as long as we have without the support of all of our wonderful customers and we apologise again for any inconvenience.

"We wish you all the best in the New Year."

Parties at the soft play booked for January and beyond have all been cancelled.